Review pending. This page summarises HSE guidance and has not yet been reviewed by a doctor. It is not medical advice. If someone’s life is at risk, call 112 or 999.
Call 112 or 999
Someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
- Both numbers are free. If you cannot make a voice call, you can text 112.
- An ambulance is for serious emergencies. Arriving by ambulance does not get you seen faster.
Source: HSE: when to call 112 or 999, checked 29 October 2026. HSE page last reviewed 19 October 2022.
Emergency department
Life-threatening illness or serious injury. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- The HSE’s examples include someone who is breathless, getting sicker very quickly, confused and agitated, very pale with cold hands and feet, or has a rash that does not fade when pressed.
- Some emergency departments in Dublin see only adults and some only children. Outside Dublin, children can go to any.
Source: HSE: the emergency department, checked 29 October 2026. HSE page last reviewed 19 October 2022.
Injury unit
A recent injury that is not life-threatening and unlikely to need a hospital stay.
- For example broken bones, dislocations, minor burns and scalds, splinters.
- No appointment needed. €75, or no charge with a medical card or a GP referral letter.
- Most treat patients over 5; they may not treat a child under 5. Not for illness such as fever, seizures or headache.
Source: HSE: when to visit an injury unit, checked 29 October 2026. HSE page last reviewed 29 November 2023.
GP out of hours
Your GP surgery is closed and you urgently need a GP.
- Phone first: appointment only, no walk-in. A triage nurse phones you back.
- Free with a medical card or GP visit card; otherwise a fee.
- Not for repeat prescriptions, test results, medical certificates or employment medicals.
- Not urgent? Contact your own GP when they open.
Source: HSE: when to go to a GP out of hours, checked 29 October 2026. HSE page last reviewed 27 September 2024.
Pharmacist
Under the HSE Common Conditions Service, a pharmacist can treat allergic rhinitis, cold sores, conjunctivitis, impetigo, oral thrush, shingles, uncomplicated cystitis and vaginal thrush, within age limits.
- You pay a consultation fee, even with a medical card. Medicine may be covered by your medical card or the Drugs Payment Scheme.
- Some pharmacies take walk-ins; others ask you to book.
Source: HSE: Common Conditions Service at a pharmacy, checked 29 October 2026.
Online GP (paid)
Private video or phone consultations. Each provider sets its own fee and hours.
Or a paid online GPLowest published evening fee from €34.99, 7 providers publish one. Checked 29 Oct. Compare on gpcompare.ieQuestions
- Is the GP out-of-hours service free?
- It is free when you show a valid medical card or GP visit card. If you do not have a card, you are charged a fee. HSE: when to go to a GP out of hours
- Can I walk in to a GP out-of-hours centre?
- No. It is by appointment only. You phone first, and a triage nurse phones you back. HSE: when to go to a GP out of hours
- Can the out-of-hours GP give me a sick cert or a repeat prescription?
- No. The HSE says out-of-hours GPs are not for routine care such as repeat prescriptions, test results, medical certificates or employment medicals. HSE: when to go to a GP out of hours
- What does an injury unit cost?
- The HSE says it costs €75 to attend an injury unit. There is no charge with a medical card or a GP referral letter. HSE: when to visit an injury unit
- Will an injury unit see a young child?
- Most injury units treat patients over 5. Injury units may not treat any child younger than 5. HSE: when to visit an injury unit
- Is the pharmacy Common Conditions Service free?
- No. The pharmacist charges for the consultation, and you have to pay even if you have a medical card. Medicine prescribed may be covered by the Drugs Payment Scheme or your medical card. HSE: Common Conditions Service at a pharmacy
- Can I text 112?
- Yes. If you cannot make a voice call, you can text 112 in an emergency. 112 and 999 are both free. HSE: when to call 112 or 999